This is called the “Evil Empire” speech by Ronald Reagan. It was given to the National Association of Evangelicals. Here is a link to it:
Here are a few observations.
- Reagan is such a great communicator (maybe that is why they called him the Great Communicator). He speaks with great conviction and candor. After the rhetorical slickness of the last two Democratic Presidents and the rhetorical inability of the last few Republican Presidents, Reagan’s rhetorical care is striking—and convicting. He knows how to lead. How to communicate ideas simply and to clarify his position. Brilliant!
- There is a great difference between a Conservative like Reagan and the Libertarian Republicans of our day. He is building something and protecting a heritage. They always seem like they are tearing down. Both need to happen, but I do not think you can lead long without a positive vision of the future.
- Reagan communicates fearlessly—especially concerning foreign affairs. We never talk like this anymore. We have stopped calling wickedness evil. Our blindness is evident.
Our country has traveled far in 30 years and not much of the distance has been in the right direction. We need God’s mercy to give us better leaders than we deserve.
